KR20220156371A - Electronic device including camera - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment disclosed in the present document, an electronic device comprises: a camera module; a memory; and a processor. The camera module comprises: a lens unit; a first image sensor having 2 photo diodes (2PD) pixels of a first color and a second color; and a second image sensor having pixels of a third color; and a light splitter separating a light introduced through the lens unit, wherein a light passing through the optical splitter is formed on the first image sensor, and a light reflected by the optical splitter is formed on the second image sensor. The processor may combine first image data acquired through the first image sensor and second image data acquired through the second image sensor to generate third image data, and perform a designated function using at least one of the first image data, the second image data, or the generated third image data. In addition, various embodiments identified through the specification are possible. Accordingly, the electronic device may perform precise AF without resolution deterioration.

Description

Electronic device including a camera {ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING CAMERA}

Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an electronic device including a camera.

The electronic device may be equipped with a camera (or a camera module) and may capture a photo or video. Recently, an electronic device equipped with a folded camera module has been released to reduce the thickness of the camera module.

The folded camera module may include a prism that operates as a reflection mirror for changing a propagation direction of light therein. Light incident from the outside may be changed in direction through the prism and transmitted to the image sensor.

An electronic device may be equipped with a camera module including one image sensor. In this case, restrictions may occur on the size or resolution of the image sensor according to optical specifications (eg, an aperture value and an angle of view). Recently, an electronic device equipped with an image sensor (hereinafter referred to as 2PD image sensor) in which two photo diodes (hereinafter referred to as 2PD) are disposed in one pixel in order to perform precise AF (auto focus) has been released. have. The electronic device may perform phase detection auto focus (PDAF) using a 2PD image sensor. A size of a single pixel of a 2PD image sensor may be larger than a size of a single pixel of a non-2PD image sensor. For this reason, the 2PD image sensor has a problem in that it is difficult to implement a high pixel within the same area as a general image sensor.

Various embodiments may provide an electronic device that obtains different image data from a plurality of image sensors using a light splitter.

An electronic device according to various embodiments includes a camera module, a memory, and a processor, wherein the camera module includes a lens unit, a first image sensor having 2 photo diodes (2PD) pixels of a first color and a second color, and a first image sensor. A second image sensor having pixels of three colors, and a light splitter separating light introduced through the lens unit, wherein the light passing through the light splitter is formed on the first image sensor and reflected by the light splitter. The generated light is formed on the second image sensor, and the processor combines the first image data obtained through the first image sensor and the second image data acquired through the second image sensor to obtain third image data. and perform a specified function using at least one of the first image data, the second image data, and the generated third image data.

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein separates a single color (eg Green) image signal from a plurality of color (eg Red and Blue) image signals using a beam splitter. After that, it can be synthesized in various ways. Through this, the electronic device can perform precise AF without resolution deterioration within a fixed sensor short side size.

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document separates a single color (eg Green) image signal and a plurality of colors (eg Red and Blue) image signals, thereby generating a single color sensor (Green channel) sensitivity can improve low-light performance.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a camera module, in accordance with various embodiments.
3 illustrates an electronic device including a camera module according to various embodiments.
4 shows the structure of a folded camera module according to various embodiments.
5 illustrates a pixel structure constituting a first image sensor and a second image sensor according to various embodiments.
6 illustrates synthesis of first image data and second image data according to various embodiments.
In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar elements.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of this document. . In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like elements.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 within a network environment 100, according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1 , in a network environment 100, an electronic device 101 communicates with an electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (eg, a short-range wireless communication network) or through a second network 199. It is possible to communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through (eg, a long-distance wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, an audio output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module ( 176), interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196 , or the antenna module 197 may be included. In some embodiments, in the electronic device 101, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 178) may be omitted or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (eg, sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) are integrated into a single component (eg, display module 160). It can be.

The processor 120, for example, executes software (eg, the program 140) to cause at least one other component (eg, hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can control and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or operation, the processor 120 transfers instructions or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) to volatile memory 132. , processing commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 , and storing resultant data in the non-volatile memory 134 . According to one embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor 123 (eg, a graphic processing unit, a neural network processing unit ( NPU: neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, when the electronic device 101 includes the main processor 121 and the auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may use less power than the main processor 121 or be set to be specialized for a designated function. can The secondary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor 121 .

The secondary processor 123 may, for example, take the place of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or the main processor 121 is active (eg, running an application). ) state, together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (eg, the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) It is possible to control at least some of the related functions or states. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of other functionally related components (eg, camera module 180 or communication module 190). have. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. AI models can be created through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device 101 itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (eg, the server 108). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning or reinforcement learning, but in the above example Not limited. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. Artificial neural networks include deep neural networks (DNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), restricted boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNNs), It may be one of deep Q-networks or a combination of two or more of the foregoing, but is not limited to the foregoing examples. The artificial intelligence model may include, in addition or alternatively, software structures in addition to hardware structures.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component (eg, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronic device 101 . The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (eg, program 140) and commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134 .

The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 and may include, for example, an operating system 142 , middleware 144 , or an application 146 .

The input module 150 may receive a command or data to be used by a component (eg, the processor 120) of the electronic device 101 from the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (eg, a button), or a digital pen (eg, a stylus pen).

The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101 . The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. A receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of it.

The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor set to detect a touch or a pressure sensor set to measure the intensity of force generated by the touch.

The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal or vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires sound through the input module 150, the sound output module 155, or an external electronic device connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device 101 (eg: Sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (eg, a speaker or a headphone).

The sensor module 176 detects an operating state (eg, power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an external environmental state (eg, a user state), and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. can do. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a bio sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or light sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device 101 to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that a user may perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 180 may capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101 . According to one embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), for example.

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101 . According to one embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 is a direct (eg, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108). Establishment and communication through the established communication channel may be supported. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor 120 (eg, an application processor) and support direct (eg, wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 is a wireless communication module 192 (eg, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (eg, : a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module is a first network 198 (eg, a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (eg, legacy It may communicate with the external electronic device 104 through a cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a telecommunications network such as a computer network (eg, a LAN or a WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as one component (eg, a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (eg, multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 uses subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be identified or authenticated.

The wireless communication module 192 may support a 5G network after a 4G network and a next-generation communication technology, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technologies include high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and access of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low latency (URLLC)). -latency communications)) can be supported. The wireless communication module 192 may support a high frequency band (eg, mmWave band) to achieve a high data rate, for example. The wireless communication module 192 uses various technologies for securing performance in a high frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), and full-dimensional multiplexing. Technologies such as input/output (FD-MIMO: full dimensional MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna may be supported. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements defined for the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 104), or a network system (eg, the second network 199). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 is a peak data rate for eMBB realization (eg, 20 Gbps or more), a loss coverage for mMTC realization (eg, 164 dB or less), or a U-plane latency for URLLC realization (eg, Example: downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each of 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) may be supported.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive signals or power to the outside (eg, an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (eg, PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 is selected from the plurality of antennas by the communication module 190, for example. can be chosen A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, other components (eg, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197 in addition to the radiator.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module includes a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (eg, a lower surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (eg, mmWave band); and a plurality of antennas (eg, array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (eg, a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high frequency band. can do.

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (eg, a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and signal ( e.g. commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199 . Each of the external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be the same as or different from the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, all or part of operations executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more external electronic devices among the external electronic devices 102 , 104 , or 108 . For example, when the electronic device 101 needs to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 instead of executing the function or service by itself. Alternatively or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform the function or at least part of the service. One or more external electronic devices receiving the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service or an additional function or service related to the request, and deliver the execution result to the electronic device 101 . The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least part of a response to the request as it is or additionally processed. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an internet of things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in the second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (eg, smart home, smart city, smart car, or health care) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating a camera module 180, in accordance with various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2, the camera module 180 includes a lens assembly 210, a flash 220, an image sensor 230, an image stabilizer 240, a memory 250 (eg, a buffer memory), or an image signal processor. (260). The lens assembly 210 may collect light emitted from a subject that is an image capturing target. The lens assembly 210 may include one or more lenses. According to one embodiment, the camera module 180 may include a plurality of lens assemblies 210 . In this case, the camera module 180 may form, for example, a dual camera, a 360-degree camera, or a spherical camera. Some of the plurality of lens assemblies 210 may have the same lens properties (eg, angle of view, focal length, auto focus, f number, or optical zoom), or at least one lens assembly may have the same lens properties as other lens assemblies. may have one or more lens properties different from the lens properties of . The lens assembly 210 may include, for example, a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens.

The flash 220 may emit light used to enhance light emitted or reflected from a subject. According to one embodiment, the flash 220 may include one or more light emitting diodes (eg, a red-green-blue (RGB) LED, a white LED, an infrared LED, or an ultraviolet LED), or a xenon lamp. The image sensor 230 may acquire an image corresponding to the subject by converting light emitted or reflected from the subject and transmitted through the lens assembly 210 into an electrical signal. According to one embodiment, the image sensor 230 is, for example, an image sensor selected from among image sensors having different properties, such as an RGB sensor, a black and white (BW) sensor, an IR sensor, or a UV sensor, It may include a plurality of image sensors having a property, or a plurality of image sensors having other properties. Each image sensor included in the image sensor 230 may be implemented using, for example, a charged coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

The image stabilizer 240 moves at least one lens or image sensor 230 included in the lens assembly 210 in a specific direction in response to movement of the camera module 180 or the electronic device 101 including the same. Operation characteristics of the image sensor 230 may be controlled (eg, read-out timing is adjusted, etc.). This makes it possible to compensate at least part of the negative effect of the movement on the image being taken. According to an embodiment, the image stabilizer 240 uses a gyro sensor (not shown) or an acceleration sensor (not shown) disposed inside or outside the camera module 180 to control the camera module 180 or the electronic device 101 . ) can detect such movements. According to one embodiment, the image stabilizer 240 may be implemented as, for example, an optical image stabilizer. The memory 250 may at least temporarily store at least a portion of an image acquired through the image sensor 230 for a next image processing task. For example, when image acquisition is delayed according to the shutter, or a plurality of images are acquired at high speed, the acquired original image (eg, a bayer-patterned image or a high-resolution image) is stored in the memory 250 and , a copy image (eg, a low resolution image) corresponding thereto may be previewed through the display device 160 . Thereafter, when a specified condition is satisfied (eg, a user input or a system command), at least a part of the original image stored in the memory 250 may be obtained and processed by the image signal processor 260 , for example. According to one embodiment, the memory 250 may be configured as at least a part of the memory 130 or as a separate memory operated independently of the memory 130 .

The image signal processor 260 may perform one or more image processes on an image obtained through the image sensor 230 or an image stored in the memory 250 . The one or more image processes, for example, depth map generation, 3D modeling, panorama generation, feature point extraction, image synthesis, or image compensation (eg, noise reduction, resolution adjustment, brightness adjustment, blurring ( blurring, sharpening, or softening. Additionally or alternatively, the image signal processor 260 may include at least one of the components included in the camera module 180 (eg, an image sensor). 230) may be controlled (eg, exposure time control, read-out timing control, etc.) The image processed by the image signal processor 260 is stored again in the memory 250 for further processing. or may be provided as an external component of the camera module 180 (eg, the memory 130, the display device 160, the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108). According to an example, the image signal processor 260 may be configured as at least a part of the processor 120 or may be configured as a separate processor that operates independently of the processor 120. The image signal processor 260 may be configured as a processor 120 When configured as a separate processor, at least one image processed by the image signal processor 260 may be displayed through the display device 160 as it is or after additional image processing by the processor 120 .

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a plurality of camera modules 180 each having different properties or functions. For example, a plurality of camera modules 180 including lenses (eg, the lens assembly 210) having different angles of view may be configured, and the electronic device 101 may be configured based on a user's selection. The angle of view of the camera module 180 performed in step 101 may be controlled to be changed. For example, at least one of the plurality of camera modules 180 may be a wide-angle camera and at least one other may be a telephoto camera. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of camera modules 180 may be a front camera, and at least another one may be a rear camera. In addition, the plurality of camera modules 180 may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, a color camera, a monochrome camera, or an IR (infrared) camera (eg, a time of flight (TOF) camera or a structured light camera). can include According to one embodiment, the IR camera may operate as at least a part of a sensor module (eg, the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ). For example, the TOF camera may operate as at least a part of a sensor module (eg, the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ) for detecting a distance to a subject.

3 illustrates an electronic device including a camera module according to various embodiments. In FIG. 3, a case in which the electronic device 301 includes the folded camera module 350 is illustrated as an example, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an electronic device 301 (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) includes a body part (or housing) 305 and a display 310 (eg, the display device 160 of FIG. 1 ). and a folded camera module 350 (eg, the camera module 180 of FIG. 1 or 2).

The body part (or housing) 305 may mount the display 310 and the folded camera module 350 thereon. The body portion 305 has various components to drive the electronic device 301 therein, for example, a processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1), a memory (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1), and communication It may include various components such as a circuit (eg, communication module 190 in FIG. 1 ), a printed circuit board, or a battery (eg, battery 189 in FIG. 1 ).

The display 310 may display various contents such as text or images through the first surface (eg, the front surface) of the main body 305 . The display 310 may be composed of a plurality of layers. For example, the display 310 may include a glass panel, a touch panel, or a display panel.

The folded camera module (or folded camera structure) 350 is a second surface (eg, a rear surface, a surface on which the display 310 does not output content, or a surface on which a back cover is mounted) of the body portion 305. At least part of it may be exposed. For example, a flash or sensor unit of the folded camera module 350 may be exposed to the outside of the body unit 305 . In FIG. 3, the case where the folded camera module 350 is a rear camera is illustrated as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, the folded camera module 350 may be a front camera disposed in the same direction as the display 310 .

According to various embodiments, the folded camera module 350 may include a prism (or reflective mirror) 410 therein. The prism 410 may change a path of light introduced into the folded camera module 350 .

According to various embodiments, the folded camera module 350 may include an optical splitter (not shown, see FIG. 4) and a plurality of image sensors (not shown, see FIG. 4) therein. Light reflected through the prism 410 may be separated by an optical splitter and introduced into a plurality of image sensors, respectively.

4 shows the structure of a folded camera module according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the folded camera module 350 includes a prism 410, a driving unit 420, a magnetic body 430, a lens unit 440, a beam splitter (or beam splitter) 460, and a first image sensor. 480 and a second image sensor 490. For example, when the folded camera module 350 is a telephoto camera, it is possible to secure a distance between the lens unit 440 and the image sensors 480 and 490, and it is easy to insert the optical splitter 460. have. When the lens unit 440 is a high-magnification telephoto zoom lens, FBL (distance from the last lens to the image sensor) may be relatively long, and space for disposing the beam splitter 460 may be secured.

The prism 410 may operate as a reflection mirror that changes a path of light introduced into the folded camera module 350 . Light reflected through the prism 410 may pass through the lens unit 440 and be introduced into the beam splitter 460 .

The driver 420 may rotate the prism 410 in a first direction (eg, a yaw direction) or a second direction (eg, a pitch direction). The driving unit 420 operates according to a control signal of a processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) or an image signal processor included in the folded camera module 350 (eg, the image signal processor 260 of FIG. 2 ). can do.

The magnetic material 430 may move along with the rotation of the prism 410 . As the magnetic material 430 moves, magnetic flux around the prism 410 may change.

The lens unit 440 may be disposed between the prism 410 and the beam splitter 460 . The lens unit 440 may transfer light reflected through the prism 410 to the light splitter 460 . For example, when the lens unit 440 is a high-magnification telephoto zoom lens, FBL (distance from the last lens to the image sensor) may be relatively long, and space for disposing the beam splitter 460 may be secured.

The light splitter 460 may separate light transmitted from the lens unit 440 and transmit the separated light to the first image sensor 480 or the second image sensor 490 . For example, the beam splitter 460 may be a prism having an oblique plane facing the lens unit 440 and transmitting some of the light. Visible light incident to the light splitter 460 may be split into two by the inclined plane of the prism. For example, the light transmitted through the optical splitter 460 is incident to the first image sensor 480 implemented in the 2PD method, and the light reflected from the optical splitter 460 is transmitted to the second image sensor 490 in the single PD method. ) can be entered. For another example, the light splitter 460 may have a flat plate shape disposed to form an inclined plane. The light transmitted through the beam splitter 460 in the form of an oblique flat plate is incident to the first image sensor 480 implemented in the 2PD method, and the light reflected from the beam splitter 460 is transmitted to the second image sensor of the single PD method ( 490)

The first image sensor 480 may include a plurality of pixels implemented in a 2PD method. The first image sensor 480 may convert light passing through the light splitter 460 into an electronic image signal. The first image sensor 480 may read (read-out) electronic image data according to the photoelectric conversion effect recorded in each pixel.

According to various embodiments, the sensing surface of the first image sensor 480 is the side of the direction toward the lens unit 440 (or the electronic device (electronic device 101 in FIG. 1 or electronic device 301 in FIG. 3)). direction) can be arranged. When the thickness of the electronic device 101 or 301 is limited (when it has a relatively thin thickness), the first image sensor 480 having relatively large pixels of the 2PD method may have a limited resolution (limited number of pixels). have. For example, when the first image sensor 480 and the second image sensor 490 have the same size, the resolution of the first image sensor 480 of the 2PD type is the resolution of the second image sensor 490 of the single PD type. resolution may be lower. For example, when the first image sensor 480 and the second image sensor 490 have the same size, the resolution of the first image sensor 480 may be 12M (4000*3000), and the second image sensor ( 490) may have a resolution of 48M (8000*6000).

The second image sensor 490 may include a plurality of pixels implemented in a single PD method. The second image sensor 490 may convert light reflected by the light splitter 460 into an electronic image signal. The second image sensor 490 may read (read-out) electronic image data according to the photoelectric conversion effect recorded in each pixel.

According to various embodiments, the sensing surface of the second image sensor 490 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit 440 (or toward the front or rear side of the electronic device 101 or 301). .

A pixel size of the second image sensor 490 may be smaller than that of the first image sensor 480 . Accordingly, the resolution of the second image sensor 490 of the single PD method may be higher than that of the first image sensor 480 of the 2PD method. For example, when the first image sensor 480 and the second image sensor 490 have the same size, the resolution of the first image sensor 480 may be 12M (4000*3000), and the second image sensor ( 490) may have a resolution of 48M (8000*6000).

According to various embodiments, a processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) or an image signal processor included in the folded camera module 350 (eg, the image signal processor 260 of FIG. 2 ) is a first image sensor. The first image data acquired in step 480 and the second image data acquired in the second image sensor 490 may be synthesized in various ways (see FIG. 6 ). The processor 120 or the image signal processor 260 may perform a designated function such as AF or correct an image displayed to a user using at least one of first image data, second image data, and combined image data. have.

According to various embodiments, the arrangement of the first image sensor 480 of the 2PD type and the second image sensor 490 of the single PD type may be interchanged. For example, the first image sensor 480 of the 2PD method may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit 440 to form an image of light reflected through the optical splitter 460 . The second image sensor 490 of the single PD method is disposed in a direction toward the lens unit 440 to form an image of light passing through the beam splitter 460 .

5 illustrates a pixel structure constituting a first image sensor and a second image sensor according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the first image sensor 480 may include a plurality of pixels implemented in a 2PD method. One of the plurality of pixels 510 includes a micro lens 505, a color filter 506, a first PD (or first sub-pixel) (PD1, 511), and a second PD (or second sub-pixel). (PD2, 512). The size of the pixels 510 constituting the first image sensor 480 may be larger (eg, twice as large) than the size of the pixels 550 constituting the second image sensor 490 . When the first image sensor 480 and the second image sensor 490 have the same size, the resolution of the first image sensor 480 may be lower than that of the second image sensor 490 . For example, when the first image sensor 480 and the second image sensor 490 have the same size, the resolution of the first image sensor 480 may be 12M (4000*3000), and the second image sensor ( 490) may have a resolution of 48M (8000*6000).

The micro lens 505 may cover the first PD 511 and the second PD 512 . The micro lens 505 may adjust the path of incident light so that light incident from the outside can reach the first PD 511 and the second PD 512 .

The color filter 506 is disposed between the micro lens 505 and the PDs (the first PD 511 and the second PD 512) to provide a first color (eg, Red) and a second color (eg, Blue). ) can pass light in a wavelength range corresponding to one of them. For example, the color filter 506 allows light in a wavelength range corresponding to one of red color or blue color among light passing through the micro lens 505 to reach the first PD 511 and the second PD 512. and can block the light in the wavelength range of green color.

Each of the first PD 511 and the second PD 512 may convert light passing through the micro lens 505 and the color filter 506 into an electrical signal. Light introduced from the outside (eg, light reflected from an object) may be refracted by the micro lens 505 to change its traveling path. Light passing through the micro lens 505 may be directly introduced into the PD or may be reflected by a pixel wall (W) between the PDs to be introduced into the PD.

According to various embodiments, when light reflected from the same point (or adjacent points) of an external object is incident to the first PD 511 and the second PD 512, the micro lens 505 or the pixel wall ) (W) may cause an optical path difference. Accordingly, a phase difference may occur between the data of the first PD 511 and the data of the second PD 512 . The processor 120 or the image signal processor 260 may perform precise AF using the phase difference.

According to various embodiments, the first image sensor 480 may obtain first image data in which a first color (eg, Red) and a second color (eg, Blue) are intersected. The processor 120 or the image signal processor 260 may perform a designated function (eg, AF) based on the first image data.

The second image sensor 490 may include a plurality of pixels of a single PD method. One of the plurality of pixels 550 may include a micro lens 555, a color filter 556, and a PD 561. A pixel 550 may include one PD 561 . The size of the pixels 550 constituting the second image sensor 490 may be smaller than the size of the pixels 510 constituting the first image sensor 480 (eg, 1/2 times). When the first image sensor 480 and the second image sensor 490 have the same size, the resolution of the second image sensor 490 may be higher than that of the first image sensor 480 (eg, 4 times). .

A micro lens 555 may cover the PD 561 . The micro lens 555 may adjust a path of incident light so that light incident from the outside can reach the PD 561 .

The color filter 556 may be disposed between the micro lens 555 and the PD 561 to pass light in a wavelength range corresponding to the third color (eg, green). The color filter 556 allows light having a wavelength range corresponding to green color among light passing through the micro lens 555 to reach the PD 561 and blocks light having a wavelength range corresponding to red color or blue color. have.

The PD 561 may convert light passing through the micro lens 555 and the color filter 556 into an electrical signal. Light introduced from the outside (eg, light reflected from an object) may be refracted by the micro lens 505 to change its traveling path.

According to various embodiments, the first image sensor 480 may obtain first image data in which a first color (eg, Red) and a second color (eg, Blue) are intersected. The second image sensor 490 may obtain second image data consisting only of a third color (eg, Green). The processor 120 or the image signal processor 260 may synthesize the first image data and the second image data in various ways (see FIG. 6 ).

6 illustrates synthesis of first image data and second image data according to various embodiments. 6 is illustrative and not limited thereto. A synthesis method of the first image data 610 and the second image data 620 may be applied in various ways.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the first image sensor 480 may obtain first image data 610 by converting light passing through the light splitter 460 into an electronic image signal. In the first image data 610 , data of a first color (eg, Red) and data of a second color (eg, Blue) may be intersected.

The second image sensor 490 may obtain second image data 620 by converting light reflected by the light splitter 460 into an electronic image signal. In the second image data 620 , data of a third color (eg, Green) may be disposed over the entire area.

According to various embodiments, when the first image sensor 480 and the second image sensor 490 have the same size, the resolution of the first image data 610 obtained from the 2PD type first image sensor 480 is It may be lower than the resolution of the second image data 620 obtained from the second image sensor 490 of the single PD method. For example, when the pixel size of the first image sensor 480 is 1.4 μm and the pixel size of the second image sensor 490 is 0.7 μm, the first image data 610 is 12M (4000*3000). It may have a resolution, and the second image data 620 may have a resolution of 48M (8000*6000).

According to various embodiments, a processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) or an image signal processor included in the folded camera module 350 (eg, the image signal processor 260 of FIG. 2 ) may provide first image data Combined image data 630 may be generated by synthesizing 610 and the second image data 620 . For example, the combined image data 630 may be a Bayer-patterned image of RGBG.

According to an embodiment, the combined image data 630 may have the same resolution as the second image data 620 .

For example, among the combined image data 630, green color pixels (eg, P11, P13, P22, and P24) are associated with corresponding pixels (eg, G11, G13, G22, and G24) of the second image data 620. can have the same value.

For example, some of the red color pixels of the combined image data 630 (eg, P12) may have the same value as the corresponding pixels of the first image data 610 (eg, R11). Another part of red color pixels of the combined image data 630 (eg, P14) may have the same value as a pixel adjacent to a corresponding pixel of the first image data 610 (eg, R11 or R22).

For example, some of the blue color pixels of the combined image data 630 (eg, P23) may have the same value as a corresponding pixel of the first image data 610 (eg, B12). Another part of the blue color pixels of the combined image data 630 (eg, P21) may have the same value as a pixel adjacent to the corresponding pixel of the first image data 610 (eg, B12 or B21). The combined image data 630 may be displayed as a preview image or as an image through a gallery app. According to various embodiments, a processor (eg, processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) or an image signal processor (eg, diagram The second image signal processor 260) combines pixels (for example, G12, G14, G21, and G23) corresponding to pixels of red color or blue color of the combined image data 630 among the second image data 620. The image data 630 may be reflected in green pixels (eg, P11, P13, P22, and P24). For example, the processor or image signal processor may replace or partially reflect noisy data among green-colored pixels (eg P11, P13, P22, P24) to adjacent pixels (eg G12, G14, G21, G23). can

According to various embodiments, the second image data 620 may have twice the sensitivity of the composite image 630 . A processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) or an image signal processor included in the folded camera module 350 (eg, the image signal processor 260 of FIG. 2 ) generates second image data 620 of a single color. Low-illuminance performance of the combined image data 630 may be improved based on the analysis characteristics of .

Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be devices of various types. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (eg, a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

An electronic device according to various embodiments (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or the electronic device 301 of FIG. 3 ) includes a camera module (eg, the camera module 180 of FIG. 1 or a folded camera of FIG. 3 ). module 350), a memory (eg, memory 130 of FIG. 1), and a processor (eg, processor 120 of FIG. 1), and the camera module (eg, camera module 180 of FIG. 1) , the folded camera module 350 of FIG. 3) is a first image sensor (eg, the first image sensor 480 of FIG. 4) having a lens unit and 2 photo diodes (2PD) pixels of a first color and a second color. ), a second image sensor having pixels of a third color (eg, the second image sensor 490 of FIG. 4), and a beam splitter separating light introduced through the lens unit (eg, the beam splitter of FIG. 4 ( 460)), and the light passing through the light splitter (eg, the light splitter 460 of FIG. 4) is formed on the first image sensor (eg, the first image sensor 480 of FIG. 4), The light reflected by the optical splitter (eg, the optical splitter 460 of FIG. 4 ) is formed on the second image sensor (eg, the second image sensor 490 of FIG. 4 ), and the light reflected by the processor (eg, the second image sensor 490 of FIG. 1 ) The processor 120 of the first image sensor (eg, the first image sensor 480 of FIG. 4) acquires the first image data and the second image sensor (eg, the second image sensor of FIG. 4) Third image data is generated by combining the second image data obtained through (490)), and the designated image data is specified using at least one of the first image data, the second image data, and the generated third image data. function can be performed.

According to various embodiments, a sensing surface of the first image sensor (eg, the first image sensor 480 of FIG. 4 ) faces a first direction, and the second image sensor (eg, the second image sensor 480 of FIG. 4 ) faces a first direction. The sensing surface of (490) may face a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

According to various embodiments, the first direction is a direction toward the side of the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or the electronic device 301 of FIG. 3 ), and the second direction is the electronic device (Example: the electronic device 101 in FIG. 1, the electronic device 301 in FIG. 3) toward the display (eg, the display device 160 in FIG. 1 or the display 310 in FIG. 3) or the back cover can

According to various embodiments, the first direction may be a direction toward the lens unit.

According to various embodiments, the first direction is the display (eg, the display device 160 of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 301 of FIG. 3 ), the first direction 3) or the back cover, and the second direction is a direction toward the side of the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 in FIG. 1 or the electronic device 301 in FIG. 3). can

According to various embodiments, the first image data may have a lower resolution than the second image data.

According to various embodiments, the third image data may have the same resolution as the second image data.

According to various embodiments, the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) may correct the third image data based on analysis characteristics of the second image data.

According to various embodiments, the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) converts the value of the first type pixel of the first color among the third image data to the first type pixel among the first image data. It may be determined as a value of a pixel at a corresponding position or a pixel adjacent to the position.

According to various embodiments, the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) assigns a value of a second type pixel of the second color among the third image data to a second type pixel among the first image data. It may be determined as a value of a pixel at a corresponding position or a pixel adjacent to the position.

According to various embodiments, the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) assigns a value of a third type pixel of the third color among the third image data to a third type pixel among the second image data. It can be determined as a value of a pixel at a corresponding position.

According to various embodiments, the pixel size of the first image sensor (eg, the first image sensor 480 of FIG. 4 ) is the pixel size of the second image sensor (eg, the second image sensor 490 of FIG. 4 ). size can be larger than

According to various embodiments, the camera module (eg, the camera module 180 of FIG. 1 or the folded camera module 350 of FIG. 3 ) further includes a first prism (eg, the prism 410 of FIG. 4 ). And, the light reflected through the first prism (eg, the prism 410 of FIG. 4 ) may be incident to the lens unit.

According to various embodiments, the beam splitter (eg, the beam splitter 460 of FIG. 4 ) has an oblique plane facing the lens unit or the second image sensor (eg, the second image sensor 490 of FIG. 4 ). It may be a second prism disposed.

According to various embodiments, the light splitter (eg, the light splitter 460 of FIG. 4 ) may be in the form of a flat plate arranged to form an inclined plane.

According to various embodiments, the lens unit may be disposed between the first prism and the beam splitter (eg, the beam splitter 460 of FIG. 4 ).

According to various embodiments, the camera module (eg, the camera module 180 of FIG. 1 and the folded camera module 350 of FIG. 3 ) may be a telephoto camera, and the lens unit may have a zoom magnification greater than or equal to a designated magnification.

According to various embodiments, the function is AF (auto focus), and the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) controls the processing of the first image sensor (eg, the first image sensor 480 of FIG. 4 ). The AF (auto focus) may be performed based on a phase difference of data obtained from the 2PD pixel.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or the electronic device 301 of FIG. 3 ) may be a display (eg, the display device 160 of FIG. 1 or the display 310 of FIG. 3 ). )), and the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) performs the display (eg, the display device 160 of FIG. 1 and the display 310 of FIG. 3 ) based on the third image data. ) to display the image.

According to various embodiments, the third image data may be a Bayer-patterned image of RGBG.

Various embodiments of this document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related elements. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. In this document, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "A Each of the phrases such as "at least one of , B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "secondary" may simply be used to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and may be used to refer to a given component in another aspect (eg, importance or order) is not limited. A (e.g., first) component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively." When mentioned, it means that the certain component may be connected to the other component directly (eg by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is interchangeable with terms such as, for example, logic, logical blocks, parts, or circuits. can be used as A module may be an integrally constructed component or a minimal unit of components or a portion thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of this document provide one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory 136 or external memory 138) readable by a machine (eg, electronic device 101). It may be implemented as software (eg, program 10) including them. For example, a processor (eg, the processor 120 ) of a device (eg, the electronic device 101 ) may call at least one command among one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. This enables the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one command invoked. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g. electromagnetic wave), and this term refers to the case where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium. It does not discriminate when it is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be included and provided in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. A computer program product is distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store (e.g. Play Store™) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (eg downloaded or uploaded) online, directly between smart phones. In the case of online distribution, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server's memory.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, module or program) of the above-described components may include a single object or a plurality of entities, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately disposed in other components. have. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations among the aforementioned corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (eg modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by a corresponding component of the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, the actions performed by a module, program, or other component are executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the actions are executed in a different order, or omitted. or one or more other actions may be added.

Claims (20)

In electronic devices,
camera module;
Memory; and
contains a processor;
The camera module is
lens unit;
a first image sensor having 2 photo diodes (2PD) pixels of a first color and a second color;
a second image sensor having pixels of a third color; and
A light splitter separating the light introduced through the lens unit; includes,
The light passing through the optical splitter is formed on the first image sensor,
The light reflected by the optical splitter forms an image on the second image sensor,
The processor
generating third image data by combining first image data acquired through the first image sensor and second image data acquired through the second image sensor;
An electronic device that performs a designated function using at least one of the first image data, the second image data, and the generated third image data. According to claim 1,
The sensing surface of the first image sensor faces a first direction,
A sensing surface of the second image sensor faces a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The method of claim 2, wherein the first direction is
A direction toward the side of the electronic device,
The second direction is a direction toward the display or back cover of the electronic device. The method of claim 2, wherein the first direction is
An electronic device in a direction toward the lens unit. The method of claim 2, wherein the first direction is
A direction toward the display or back cover of the electronic device,
The second direction is
An electronic device that is a direction toward the side of the electronic device. The method of claim 1, wherein the first image data
An electronic device having a resolution lower than that of the second image data. The method of claim 1, wherein the third image data
An electronic device having the same resolution as the second image data. The method of claim 1, wherein the processor
An electronic device that corrects the third image data based on the analysis characteristics of the second image data. The method of claim 1, wherein the processor
An electronic device that determines a value of a first type pixel of the first color in the third image data as a value of a pixel at a position corresponding to the first type pixel or a value of a pixel adjacent to the position among the first image data. The method of claim 1, wherein the processor
An electronic device that determines a value of a second type pixel of the second color in the third image data as a value of a pixel at a position corresponding to the second type pixel in the first image data or a value of a pixel adjacent to the position. The method of claim 1, wherein the processor
An electronic device that determines a value of a third type pixel of the third color in the third image data as a value of a pixel at a position corresponding to the third type pixel in the second image data. The method of claim 1, wherein the pixel size of the first image sensor is
An electronic device having a pixel size larger than that of the second image sensor. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera module
Further comprising a first prism,
An electronic device for injecting the light reflected through the first prism into the lens unit. The method of claim 13, wherein the light splitter
An electronic device that is a second prism disposed such that an inclined plane faces the lens unit or the second image sensor. The method of claim 13, wherein the light splitter
An electronic device in the form of a flat plate arranged to form an inclined plane. The method of claim 13, wherein the lens unit
An electronic device disposed between the first prism and the light splitter. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera module
It is a telephoto camera,
the lens part
An electronic device with a zoom factor greater than or equal to the specified magnification. The method of claim 1, wherein the function is AF (auto focus),
The processor
An electronic device that performs auto focus (AF) based on a phase difference of data obtained from the 2PD pixels of the first image sensor. According to claim 1,
Including more displays,
The processor
An electronic device displaying an image on the display based on the third image data. The method of claim 1, wherein the third image data
An electronic device that is a Bayer-patterned image of RGBG.

Images